The 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) states:
““Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
12-Step programs emphasize service heavily, but why? Many people in who have completed the 12-Steps discover how truly transformative it can be to strengthen the mind, body and spirit, as when addiction is active, it clings onto all three of these essential aspects of wellbeing. Service, as it relates to the 12-Step program, often involves supporting others in their journey to recovery and giving them the tools and resources, they need to complete a 12-Step program themselves. In 2015, one writer shared their story of recovery and the 12-Step program via The Fix. They stated,
“I wasn’t going back [to addiction], that was for sure. Everything had improved, and when a new person stumbled into a meeting, I had no choice but to be willing to help him or her as I had been helped.”
Those in recovery often go on to provide service to others in many ways:
- Sharing what has helped them recover
- Inviting others to 12-Step meetings
- Encouraging people to seek help
- Serving as a sponsor and leading meetings
- Becoming an addiction recovery counselor
- Volunteering at a local addiction recovery organization
- And more
Addiction is a devastating disease that takes so much time, effort and support in order to become restored from it. Service benefits communities by passing down the love that one has received throughout their own journey of recovery, and it gives others the opportunity to benefit from local resources as well. Service also does a lot for the person who has found success in recovery, such as:
- A sense of fulfillment from the work they do
- Betterment in helping others
- Personal growth and transformation as they develop their own skill sets
- Reinforcement of their own recovery
If you are currently in recovery, consider making a difference in your 12-Step program today. If you are currently struggling with addiction, seek the help you need now – there is an entire community waiting to support you.
Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug-addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland river in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-acre campus, we are made up of 2 12-Step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
